Rohingya communities forcibly relocated to Nyaung Chaung village in Buthidaung Township are facing increasing pressure and extortion from the Arakan Army (AA). In a recent incident, two Rohingya individuals, Lalambani, son of Ula Miya, and Mohammad Solim, son of Haidor Ali, were extorted by the AA. Their offense? Using mobile phones with Bangladeshi SIM cards to stay connected with family members abroad.
Locals report that the Arakan Army has imposed strict restrictions on the use of mobile phones, particularly targeting those used to communicate with people outside of Myanmar. For the Rohingya community, many of whom have loved ones in Bangladesh and other countries, maintaining contact is crucial. However, the AA has declared such communication illegal, and anyone caught breaking this rule faces extortion or other forms of punishment.
“Many of us here don’t have any other way to talk to our families abroad. We are being punished for trying to stay connected with our loved ones,” said one local resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
To further control communications, the AA has installed two authorized telephones in the village of Young Chaung, where many Rohingya families have been relocated. These phones are the only officially sanctioned means of communication, and any other devices are strictly prohibited.
The ongoing extortion and suppression of the Rohingya’s ability to communicate freely has left the already vulnerable community in a state of fear and helplessness.
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